now cornyn tells the chronicle editorial board we will raise the debt ceiling. we are not going to default on our ded debt. two years ago, they were gloating over their debt ceiling hostage strategy. >> no president in the near future, maybe in the distant future, will be able to get the debt ceiling increased without a reignition, reigniting of the same discussion of how do we cut spending and get america headed in the right direction. i expect the next president, whoever that is, will be asking us to raise the debt ceiling again in 2013. we'll be doing it all over. >> today, mitch mcconnell doesn't sound so tough. instead of demanding spending cuts on entitlement reform, here is his new demand. the american people expect the senate to finally pass a budget. this is the new republican leverage. it's a pretty weak hand. don't you think? house republican whip kevin mccarthy was in full spin mode about the new terms of the debt limit fight. >> the senate has never even passed a budget. tts rule of the law that by april 15th, you have to. so, we're saying we will e